Suns' midfield stars give Swans coach headache

By
ROJE ADAIMY

John Longmire knows it'll take a bevy of Swans to take down AFL superstar Gary Ablett.

Dion Prestia of the Suns handballs during their round-10 match against the Western Bulldogs. Picture: GETTY IMAGES

AFL

John Longmire knows it'll take a bevy of Swans to take down AFL superstar Gary Ablett.

But it's Gold Coast's other bright midfield stars the coach worries might burn a hole in his solid defence.

Sydney head into Sunday's clash with six straight wins to their name and the new tag of premiership favourites after Thursday's 110-point demolition of Geelong.

And though the Suns lost to Adelaide at the weekend, their previous five successive victories have them as one of the league's in-form sides.

On Monday Longmire admitted Ablett would take up a lot of his planning time this week, although he predicted Dion Prestia, David Swallow and Jaegar O'Meara could prove just as big a headache as the double Brownlow medallist.

"They're midfielders that are going to be very dominant players for a very long time and they're starting to play really good football together," he said.

"So you've got to be very careful if you do put all your attention into Ablett. As good as what he is, those others in the group are as good now as any going around."

Kieren Jack, Craig Bird, Ben McGlynn or Jarrad McVeigh are among those Longmire is considering using on Ablett, but "whether they have much luck is another thing", he added.

"It's a very big job for one player to do. It's a tough ask.

"[Ablett] is a rare talent in AFL football and his ability to win one-on-ones is as good as what there's probably [ever] been.

"Normally, you need to make sure you've got a few players up your sleeve."

The Swans are set to be at full strength for the clash at Metricon Stadium. Dane Rampe, with knee soreness from the Cats match, is the only real injury concern.

First-choice ruckman Mike Pyke (hamstring) will be assessed after training on Wednesday for a chance to return after four weeks on the sidelines. AAP